Q&A: Moreton Bay Rail Link Project
The Moreton Bay Rail Link is a new, dedicated public transport corridor for one of the fastest growing regions in Queensland. We asked Cameron Riach, Director at Bligh Tanner, about the firm’s role in this significant project.
Why is the Moreton Bay Rail Link so important for the region?
The Moreton Bay Rail Link will significantly improve public transport for the 375,000 residents who call the region home. It will provide a more reliable, economical, and faster alternative to driving to Brisbane’s CBD, help reduce congestion on the road network, and provide sustainable and active transport options for the community. The new link will provide an incentive for people to switch from private vehicles to public transport. The population of Moreton Bay is estimated to exceed 500,000 by 2031, making better and more sustainable transport options for the area essential.
What is Bligh Tanner’s role in the project?
Bligh Tanner is designing the complex temporary road works needed for the project in close coordination with the Thiess Traffic Engineering Team. We were appointed to a panel of consultants by Thiess, who were awarded the contract to build the Rail Link in mid-2013.
Why are the temporary road works so important?
The construction of the Rail Link will involve major works throughout the residential and commercial areas in the Moreton Bay region. This will involve the creation of construction areas and accesses adjacent to existing roads and highways, which require careful design and management to minimise the impacts on the traffic flow and the community.
We are designing the road diversions and construction accesses using barrier systems and speed restrictions. As we are constructing within the built environment, there are significant challenges to overcome in designing the road diversions, particularly where the available road corridor is constrained. These systems will provide access to construction areas while ensuring the safety of road users, and the construction team.
Image courtesy Moreton Bay Rail
Source: Moreton News
